Rome: 5-hour 4 Major Basilicas Tour

Overview

Since the 5th-century, 4 basilicas in Rome have been recognized as the 4 major and papal basilicas of Rome. This designation is due to the importance of these places to Christianity and brings with it certain prestige.  Every pilgrim visiting Rome would therefore visit the 4 papal basilicas of Rome and for this reason, these sites have developed to become especially beautiful and poignant. Whether you are religious or not, one cannot help but by bowled over by the beauty and historic significance of these 4 papal basilicas.  The 4 Papal Basilicas of Rome Tour will take a small personalized group to each of these basilicas providing a tour of each interior with a professional specialist guide. Begin your tour at the awe-inspiring Basilica of St. Peter built over the bones of St. Peter himself. Your guide will take you through security into the heart of the Catholic church in the Vatican with a first stop before the most famous statue in the world - the "Pietà" by Michelangelo. Your guide will then continue on with you through St. Peters to point out many of the artistic and historic features that make St. Peters a breathtaking experience. Once you have been stunned by the size and splendor of St. Peters Basilica, your guide will then accompany you in an air-conditioned chauffeur driven vehicle to the next of your 4 papal basilicas of Rome - the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The Basilica of St. Paul is mind bogglingly large with stunning golden mosaics to greet you on the outside. Inside, you will feel the immensity of the structure and architectural prowess needed to construct it over a thousand years ago. This basilica is also where the great Apostle of the Gentiles - St. Paul - is buried. From there, you will be transported by air-conditioned deluxe vehicle to the Basilica of St. John Lateran which is actually the Cathedral of Rome. Your guide will take you inside and give you a fascinating tour of the main features. Outside the basilica are the "Holy Steps" which were the steps from the building where Pontius Pilate judged Jesus that were transported from Jerusalem to Rome by Emperor Constantine's mother in the 4th-century. Depending on the weather and your preference, you may choose to walk to the next basilica which is only a short stroll away, but if need be, you can take the private transport again. The next of the 4 papal basilicas of Rome is the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Opulently grandiose with its golden ceiling and breathtaking mosaics, this basilica also holds the wood of the crib of baby Jesus. Your tour will finish after your guide has shown you this basilica and you are then free to mill around or take a cool beer or glass of wine to relax and discuss some of the wonders of Rome you have just seen with your own eyes.